Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)

Common Complaints

• Overcrowding and Insufficient Facilities: The most frequent complaint is that the airport is too small for the volume of passengers it handles, leading to significant overcrowding, especially in departure areas. Facilities are often described as poor and insufficient.
• Limited Seating and Amenities: There is a notable lack of comfortable seating throughout the terminal, with many passengers reporting having to sit on the floor, particularly after security. Dining options are few, and 24-hour food is generally unavailable within the terminal, though a 24-hour cafe exists in the car park.
• Disorganization and Staff Issues: Travelers frequently report an unorganized and chaotic experience, particularly during check-in and boarding. Staff are sometimes described as unhelpful, disinterested, or even rude.
• Security and Immigration Bottlenecks: While current security wait times are around 28-30 minutes and immigration around 8-9 minutes, some experiences include long check-in lines and slow, inefficient passport control.
• Bus Boarding Procedures: Many flights involve boarding planes via a bus to the tarmac, which can be disorganized, crowded, and uncomfortable, especially in adverse weather.
• Short Runway and Flight Diversions: The airport's short runway can lead to frequent flight diversions or cancellations, especially during strong winds or adverse weather conditions, with flights often rerouted to Pisa or Bologna.

Florence Airport's primary advantage lies in its unbeatable proximity to the city center and efficient public transport. However, its small size and limited infrastructure struggle to cope with increasing passenger numbers, leading to frequent complaints about overcrowding, disorganization, and inadequate facilities. Travelers should manage expectations, arrive with ample time, and consider using Pisa Airport (PSA) as an alternative if their priorities are airport comfort and efficiency over direct Florence access.